The Effect of Online Health Education Card (KMS) on Increasing the Knowledge of Mothers of Children under Two Years Old (Baduta): An Integrated Primary Health Care Approach

Abstract

Background. In Indonesia, the Kartu Menuju Sehat (KMS; Health Education Card) is a simple tool for monitoring the growth and development of children. Limited maternal knowledge of the KMS can impair accurate growth monitoring and timely interventions.

Objective. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of online KMS education on the knowledge of mothers with children under two years of age.

Methods. A descriptive-analytical, quasi-experimental study was conducted among 105 mothers with children under two years old at Kalisari Community Health Center, East Jakarta, from May to June 2021. Participants were selected using purposive sampling. Online education was delivered via video presentations and WhatsApp discussion. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using univariate and bivariate methods, with the Wilcoxon signed-rank test at a 95% confidence level (α = 0.05).

Results. The mean maternal knowledge score increased from 51.56% before education to 78.20% after education, representing a 26.64% improvement. Online KMS education had a significant effect on maternal knowledge (p < 0.001).

Conclusion. Online KMS education significantly improves maternal knowledge regarding child growth and development. Health educators are encouraged to use video and WhatsApp-based interventions as alternative counseling methods to ensure continuous monitoring of children’s growth and development.